How to Raise a 5th Wheel Trailer to Ride Level with New Truck
Question:
2011 Springdale 253 5th wheel running ST225/75R 15D 2017 Ram 2500 - stock height not lifted Pullrite auto-slide hitch New truck and the adapters to put the Pullrite added 3inch + to the hitch height. Have already moved pin box to upper most adjustment Running 6inch between rail and trailer Still running nose high when towing and rear end of trailer scrapes when towed. I would like to put 16 or 17inch wheels and larger tires on the trailer to help level when towing and keep the rear end from scraping so much. I will need to replace tires soon anyway since they are the originals from 2011. There is clearance between tires of about 6 or 7. Any recommendations? What tire/wheel combo to use? Thanks!
asked by: David
Helpful Expert Reply:
Raising a trailer by increasing the tire and wheel size isn't the most effective method. Your current tires are about 28.3 inches in diameter. Larger ST235/85 R16 size tires have a diameter of about 31.7 inches. Almost 3-1/2 inches difference. However, they aren't going to raise your trailer anymore than maybe an 1-1/2 inches or so at the most. First of all only half of the diameter will make a difference on how far the center of the hub sits above the ground. Then you'll also likely get some travel in the trailer's suspension due to gravity.
With that being said if you do try this method I recommend going with the Karrier # AM32764 that has a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern or # AM32739 that has a 8 on 6-1/2. If you have a different bolt pattern you'll need to replace your hubs before getting new wheels.
A better option to raise a trailer is to do what is commonly known as flipping the axles. Essentially the leaf springs will be moved on top of the axle instead of under it. To do this you need an over-under kit. We have a kit for 2-3/8 inch axles, # K71-384-00 and for 3 inch axles # K71-385-00.
Products Referenced in This Question
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" White Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" White Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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